Israel Approves Plan for Release of Hostages in Deal with Hamas
The Israeli government announced on Wednesday that they approved a plan to release hostages held by Hamas, after conducting negotiations in Doha, Qatar. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assembled his war cabinet to discuss the terms of the deal.
The statement by the government said, “The Government of Israel is obligated to return home all of the hostages. Tonight, the Government has approved the outline of the first stage of achieving this goal, according to which at least 50 hostages — women and children — will be released over four days, during which a pause in the fighting will be held, the release of every additional ten hostages will result in one additional day in the pause.”
Highlights of the plan include a ceasefire from both parties, as well as the release of 50 Israeli women and children hostages in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. There will also be a cessation of air traffic over Gaza, and humanitarian, relief, medical and fuel aid will be brought into the Gaza Strip. Over time, the number of prisoners released is expected to increase, and the plan allows for the entry of a larger number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid into Gaza.
International support from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar has contributed to the success of the negotiations. According to the Qatari government, a humanitarian pause has been agreed to, marking an important step towards implementing the agreement.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the successful negotiations. The U.S. has also pledged to continue efforts to secure the release of American hostages. Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted the need to protect civilians while ensuring an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The deal stipulates that hostages will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel. The security of the hostages during the pause will be guaranteed by Israel. After the initial phase has been successfully achieved, further hostages will be released, extending the pause.
The operation center is expected to be set up in Qatar, and the International Committee of the Red Cross will take custody of the hostages from Hamas and then hand them over to the Israel Defense Forces. Hamas has held approximately 240 hostages, and the Palestinian militant group has agreed to the terms of the deal.
